Chapter 23: Royal Pain in the---

Leo reached the immaculate staircase leading up to his mother's chambers. The never-ending stairs seemed daunting. Leo had spoken to his father numerous times, begging him to consider having an elevator built into the castle. However, his father had always refused, stating that he wanted to keep the old integrity of the castle from the times of the old Kings.

When he finally reached the door that led into the chambers, he was winded. Was he so much out of shape? He remembered how as a child, play time involved him running up and down the stairs, and he had relished it. Was he getting old? He straightened up as he exhaled before knocking.

The King opened the door but didn't smile when he saw Leo. What a welcome, Leo thought.

"Greetings, Your Grace," Leo said.

He gave him a look over. "Finally, you are here."

Leo wondered what would actually make his father pleasant, and not always so out of touch and grumpy.